If you filed your taxes a while ago but are still waiting for your refund, you're not alone. The IRS is still sending out refunds in June, and the average payment is around $3,268—about 8% more than last year.
For many families, this money can help pay for rent, summer expenses, credit card bills, or groceries. Here's what you need to know about when your refund might arrive.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Refund?
The time it takes to get your refund depends on two main things:
- When the IRS accepted your tax return
- How you chose to receive your money (direct deposit or paper check)
Direct deposit is the fastest option. If you filed online and chose direct deposit, you can usually expect your refund within 21 days after the IRS accepts your return. Paper checks take longer—often 4 to 8 weeks.
June 2026 Refund Timeline
Here's a general schedule of when you might receive your refund:
| When Your Return Was Accepted | Direct Deposit Date | Paper Check Mailed |
|---|---|---|
| May 24 – May 30 | Around June 5 | Around June 12 |
| May 31 – June 6 | Around June 12 | Around June 19 |
| June 7 – June 13 | Around June 19 | Around June 26 |
| June 14 – June 20 | Around June 26 | Around July 3 |
| June 21 – June 27 | Around July 3 | Around July 10 |
Keep in mind: These dates are estimates, not promises. Your refund could be delayed if:
- There are mistakes on your tax return
- The IRS needs to verify your identity
- Your bank has processing delays
- You claimed certain tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit
- You owe federal debt (the IRS may take part or all of your refund to cover it)
What Is a CP53E Notice?
Some taxpayers are receiving letters called CP53E notices from the IRS. This letter means the IRS couldn't send your refund through direct deposit because there was a problem with your bank information.
Don't panic if you get one. It doesn't mean your refund was rejected. It usually means you need to give the IRS updated bank details or explain why you can't receive electronic payments.
Important warning: Be careful of scams. If you get emails or text messages asking you to click links about your refund, don't click them. Instead, go directly to the official IRS website or use the "Where's My Refund?" tool.
How to Check Your Refund Status
You can track your refund using these official IRS tools:
- "Where's My Refund?" on the IRS website (status available within 24 hours after your e-filed return is accepted)
- IRS2Go app (free mobile app)
- IRS automated phone line: 800-829-1954
Note: State tax refunds have different schedules and vary depending on where you live.
The Bottom Line
June is still an active month for IRS refunds. To get your money as quickly as possible:
- File electronically
- Choose direct deposit
- Double-check your bank information
- Avoid errors on your return
If you've done all of this and your refund is still delayed, use the official IRS tools to check your status and stay patient.
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Read next: When Will Social Security Payments Arrive in June 2026?
